A helicopter carrying four people crashed into a field near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight this morning, sparking a major emergency response that saw one patient airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary confirmed they received reports at 9.24am that the aircraft had come down near the A3020 Shanklin Road, between Shanklin and Whiteley Bank, on what is the August Bank Holiday Monday.
The crash prompted an immediate multi-agency response, with four ambulances, three fire engines from Newport, Ventnor and Shanklin stations, and two helicopters – including Coastguard Rescue 175 from Lee-on-Solent – rushing to the scene.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance confirmed that one male patient was treated at the scene before being airlifted to the Major Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton. “Our thoughts are with them, and everyone involved in today’s incident,” a spokesperson said.
Witness Describes ‘Spiralling’ Aircraft
Eyewitness Leigh Goldsmith, who was driving towards Shanklin when the incident occurred, told the Isle of Wight County Press she watched in horror as the helicopter began “spiralling” before disappearing from view and crashing into a hedge.
“I was the first on the scene,” Goldsmith explained, adding that she observed four people on board the aircraft and believed the helicopter’s airbags had been activated following impact.
The dramatic account provides crucial insight into the final moments before the crash, though authorities have yet to confirm the total number of occupants or provide details about the condition of the other passengers.
Major Emergency Response Mobilised
The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service deployed significant resources to the incident, including four ambulances, an Operational Commander and a Rapid Response Paramedic unit, demonstrating the severity of the situation.
“We can confirm our dispatchers deployed the Air Ambulance at 09:28 to an incident near Ventnor on the Isle of Wight today,” a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance spokesperson stated. “The Critical Care Team consisting of a doctor and a specialist paramedic are on scene, working alongside our emergency service colleagues.”
Fire crews from three stations across the island responded to what Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service initially described as a “light aircraft incident”, highlighting the confusion that often surrounds such emergencies in their early stages.
No Smoke or Fire Reported
Local councillor Chris Quirk, who represents the Shanklin area and arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, provided reassuring details about the incident’s aftermath.
The crash appears to be in a field adjacent to the road,” Councillor Quirk told GB News. “There is no apparent smoke.”
His observations suggest the helicopter avoided catching fire upon impact, potentially preventing a more catastrophic outcome. The councillor noted that at one point, the scene was attended by “four ambulances, three fire engines and two helicopters”, illustrating the scale of the emergency response.
Road Closures and Public Warning
Shanklin Road remains closed between the junctions with Whiteley Bank and Apse Manor Road, with police urging motorists and residents to avoid the area completely.
“The road is closed due to the number of emergency services vehicles at the scene, so please avoid the area at this time,” a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesman confirmed.
The closure has caused significant disruption on the popular tourist island during the busy Bank Holiday period, with traffic being diverted away from the crash site to allow emergency services to work unimpeded.
Investigation Expected
While authorities have released limited information about the helicopter type or its origin, a full investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is expected to commence immediately.
The Isle of Wight has witnessed several aviation incidents over the years, with its challenging terrain and coastal weather conditions presenting particular risks for pilots. The island’s emergency services regularly train for such scenarios, which likely contributed to the swift response witnessed today.
Police confirmed they are “unable to give any further updates at this time” as the incident remains ongoing, with the crash site expected to remain cordoned off for several hours whilst investigators examine the wreckage.
The identity of those on board has not been released, and it remains unclear whether the helicopter was on a private flight or operating commercially when it encountered difficulties.
As the investigation continues, questions will inevitably focus on what caused the helicopter to begin spiralling before its crash landing, and whether mechanical failure or weather conditions played any role in the incident.
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